2002 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 51

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags J Seatbelt maintenance D Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemicals and particularly battery acid. D Never attempt to make modifications or changes that will prevent the seatbelt from operating properly. To clean the seatbelts, use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Never bleach or dye the belts because this could seriously affect their strength. Inspect the seatbelts and attachments including the webbing and all hardware periodically for cracks, cuts, gashes, tears, damage, loose bolts or worn areas. Replace the seatbelts even if only minor damage is found. CAUTION Seatbelt extender If the front seatbelts are not long enough to permit the tongue plate to engage with the seatbelt buckle, an optional seatbelt extender is available from your SUBARU dealer. When ordering an extender, only order one particularly designed for your vehicle. Several different types of extenders are available to match various varieties of front seatbelt designs. See your SUBARU dealer for assistance. The extender adds approximately 8 inches (200 mm) of length and it can be used for either the driver or front passenger seating position. WARNING Be sure to observe the following when using the seatbelt extender. Failure to follow these instructions and warnings could reduce the effectiveness of the seatbelt and result in more serious injury in the event of a collision. D Never use the extender when the belt itself is long enough to permit it to be buckled properly. If removal of heavy clothing is all - CONTINUED - 1-23